LATAM is spending $US400 million ($633 million) upgrading the business class cabins across its fleet, and this 787-9 is decked out with all the new features, including VantageXL lie-flat seats, which are similar to those used by Qantas, laid out in 1-2-1 formation, all with direct aisle access. The seats each have a universal power outlet, USB charging point, an 18-inch (46-centimetre) touchscreen TV with in-seat remote control, and noise-cancelling headphones.

Baggage

Business class passengers on LATAM are allowed to check in two pieces of luggage weighing up to 23 kilograms each. They can also bring one carry-on bag weighing up to 15 kilograms.

Entertainment

The LATAM entertainment system is called LATAM Play, and features more than 150 movies, 430 TV episodes, and 120 music albums. That selection puts it well below some of the class leaders, though there’s ample choice for one flight, and I can indulge myself by watching Dune for about the 300th time. The provided noise-cancelling headphones don’t, unfortunately, cancel much noise.

Service

The crew onboard are friendly and efficient, effortlessly switching between Spanish and English for their various passengers. There’s never any problem attracting attention when you need it.

Food

As with the seats, the food offered by LATAM has been upgraded in recent years, and on this flight there is a solid menu of international favourites paired with a good wine selection. Though it’s a shame not to see any destination-specific meal options, my pappardelle with artichokes, served alongside an Argentinian chardonnay – and later, steak with vegetables, paired with a Mendoza malbec – is excellent.

Carbon emissions

2.7 tonnes for one business class passenger. In economy, it’s 940 kilograms per passenger.

One more thing

LATAM is still rolling out the upgraded business-class cabins on its 787-9s, so before booking your tickets, ensure the aircraft flying on that date has the 1-2-1 seating formation that indicates the new cabin.

The price

From $3544, business class one way.*

The verdict

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The LATAM business class experience these days is a vast improvement on the old product, and its spacious, lie-flat seats bring the carrier into line with world leaders in the class. Though LATAM still can’t quite compete with those front-runners on the likes of food and entertainment, and there’s no denying that the stopover in Auckland on this flight is less than ideal, this is a very comfortable and thoroughly enjoyable way to begin any experience in Latin America.

Our rating out of five

★★★★

The writer travelled as a guest of Prom Peru, and was upgraded by LATAM.

*Fares are based on those available for travel three months from the time of publication and subject to change.